SAINT LOUIS COLLEGE

City of San Fernando, La Union

College of Arts and Sciences, Teacher-Educ. and Information

Technology

Chapter 6: Rizal’s Life Abroad and Homecomings

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, the students are expected to:
1. Locate the places in the world map the places visited by Dr. Jose Rizal
2. Discuss Rizal as a traveler representing the Filipino through his works and
Achievements

Rizal’s Journey to Europe, His Secret Mission and Education

Rizal’s primary goal in leaving for Europe in 1882 was to complete his
education. He had completed a course in ophthalmology at the University of
Santo Tomas so he could perform eye surgery on his cataract-stricken mother.
Little did his countrymen know that he had another mission, one that would
lead to him to inspire fellow revolutionaries through his writing. But before any
secret plan could take place, he had to go to Spain unnoticed–even by his
mother. From there, he had to learn the ropes in the countries he intended to
visit, as well as expand his knowledge base.

A. First Journey to Europe

On May 3, 1882, Rizal left on board the

Spanish streamer ship SALVADORA bound
for Singapore. He was the only Filipino and
the rest were Spaniards, British, and
Indian Negroes. He got along famously with
his fellow passengers,
some of them older than him, whom he
defeated in chess. Even the ship Captain,
Donato Lecha, fromAsturias Spain had made friend with Rizal.
After five days of sailing the SALVADORA reached the English colony of
SINGAPORE. He registered at hotel dela Paz. His two days stop-over were spent
most of the time invisiting the historic

places, temples, botanical garden art galleries and statue of St. Thomas
Stanford Raffles (founder of Singapore in 1819).

From Singapore, he boarded the DJEMNAH, a French streamer bound for

Europe on May 11, 1882. French were mostly spoken on board. To his
surprise, the French he learned at the Ateneo could not be understood. He
gradually improved his facility of the language by conversing daily with the
passengers.
 On May 17 1882, Djemnah made is
stopover at the POINT GALLE. He noted,
Point Galle, a seacoast town in southern
Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) which is
picturesque but lonely, quiet and at the
same time sad. The ship then headed
north and on May 18 docked at
COLOMBO, capital of Ceylon. Rizal
wrote, “Colombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore, point
Galle and Manila
The Djemnah continued to voyage
crossing the Indian ocean to the
Cape of Guardafui, the barren
coast of Africa which for Rizal was
an inhospitable but famous. The
next stop over was in ADEN. This
was the first time Rizal stepped in
African soil and saw real camels.
From Aden, the Djemnah arrived
at the Port Said in the City of
Suez, the Red Sea Terminal of
Suez Canal. Rizal was fascinated to hear the muli-racial inhabitants
speaking “A babel tongues, Arabic, Egyptian, Greek, French, Italian, Spanish
etc.
 Red Sea City of Suez

From PORT SAID, the ship trans versed the SUEZ CANAL and on June 11,
arrived at NAPOLI (now Naples, Italy) Passengers were allowed to move around
the pace and Rizal never wasted time to explore the first European territory in
his sight.

He was pleased because of its business activities, its lively people, its
panoramic beauty like Mt. Vesuvius, the Castle of Saint Telmo and other
historic sights

After the brief stop at NAPOLI, the ship proceeded to MARSEILLES and arrived
at the French harbor on June 12,1882. He visited the famous chateau d ‘If
where Dantes the Hero of the count of Monte Cristo was imprisoned. In the
afternoon of June 15 Rizal left Marseilles by train bound for Barcelona.

Spain
Barcelona, Spain
The train crossed PYRENEES and stopped for a day at PORT BOU for passport
inspection and they finally reached BARCELONA on June 16, 1882, the second
largest city of Spain and the greatest city of CATALUÑA
PORT BOU BARCELONA

Jose ‘s first impression of the city was not favorable for he happened to stay
upon his arrival at a dirty inn wherein the staff and guests were indifferent to
him. However, as he stayed in the city this impression had changed and found
Barcelona to be really a great city. The people were courageous open-hearted
and hospitable and most of al the atmosphere of freedom and liberalism was
felt. Filipinos in Barcelona, some of whom were his schoolmates in Ateneo,
welcomed him. He was given a party at their favorite café in Plaza de Cataluña
with customary exchange of toast. The acquaintances and attraction of the city
and good customs of the Spanish people were the opposite of those in the
Philippines.
While in Barcelona Rizal wrote a nationalistic essay entitled “Love of Country
(Amor Patrio). which was his first Article written in Spain’s soil under the
penname LAONG LAAN. He sent this to his friend Basilio Teodoro Moran,
publisher of Diariong Tagalog, the first Manila newspaper that published both
Spanish and Tagalogs
This Amor Patrio was published on August 10,1882 in two texts. The Tagalog
text was the translation made by Marcelo H del Pilar. In this essay, he urged
the Filipnos to love the Philippines, their FATHERLAND. He wanted them to be
free, to be people with dignity and honor according to God’s plan and slaves.
He was requested by his friend to write more articles because it had caused a
sensation to the readers because of its nationalistic fervor. In response to the
request, he wrote the second article for Diariong Tagalog “LOS VIAJES”
(Travels). His Third article entitled REVISTA DE MADRID (Review of Madrid)
was returned to him for Diariong Tagalog had stopped publication because of
lack of funds.

In Madrid Spain

With unwavering determination, prodigious energy and talent, he left Barcelona

on November 3, 1882. He enrolled at the Central University of Madrid for the
Licentiate in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters. He followed systematic and
well-organized schedule of study because he wanted to learn so much within a
short time. To enhance his artistic talents, he also took up lessons in painting
and sculpture at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando (Academy of
Fine Arts of San Fernando) as well as lessons in French, German and English
under private instructors.
During his free hours, he practices fencing and shooting or he attended
lectures on art galleries and museums and read books on all subjects including
military engineering. He rigidly budgets his money and time. He lived frugally
with immense capacity for work. He was a voracious reader who could stay
until midnight reading fiction and non-fiction novels, which a habit he acquired
early in life at home. With many books he had read, two books left a deep
impression on him that heightened his sympathy for the oppressed and
unfortunate people. These were Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
and The Wandering Jew by Eugene Sue
Rizal joined the Hispano-Philippine Circle (Circulo Hispano-Filipino), a society
of Spaniards and Filipinos shortly after his arrival in Madrid. Upon the request
of the members of this society, He wrote a poem entitled, They ask me for
Verses (Me Piden Verses), which he personally declaimed during the New
Year’s Eve reception in Madrid, December 31, 1882. In this sad poem he
poured out the cry of his agonizing heart, his loneliness and sadness of being
alone in a foreign land.

They ask Me for Verses (Mi Piden Versos)

He wrote this poem in 1882 while he was enrolled in the Universidad de
Madrid. Addressed to his mother, he bared his loneliness and sadness of
being alone in a foreign shore. He showed also the physical and emotional
straits of his crusade for freedom.
In the poem he lamented that he did not have “love, fervor and eagerness”
anymore for he left them (neath the sky of so flowery a region) the
Philippines.

Rizal Joined the Masonry

Among the significant developments in Rizal’s life in Madrid was his becoming
a MASON. He came in close contact with the Spanish liberals and republicans
who were mostly masons. He was impressed by the way the Spanish masons
openly and freely criticized and attacked the government and the church which
could not be done in the Philippines for they will be jailed or executed if they do
so. He discovered the political possibilities of becoming a Mason, so he joined
the Masonic Lodge called Acacia in Madrid with the Masonic name
“DIMASALANG” Two reasons impelled him to join masonry:
1. To secure freemasonry’s aid in his fight against the friars in the
Philippines for they use the Catholic religion as a shield to entrench
themselves in power and wealth and persecute the Filipino patriots
2. To utilize freemasonry as his shield to combat these problems in the
Philippines and for more mature contacts and enlightenment as he
was writing in his “Noli Me Tangere”.
He had been awarded the diploma as Master Mason on February 15, 1892.
After joining the masons, Rizal naturally ceased going to mass and wandered
far from the faith. He continued to have faith in Divine Providence, a testimony
to the deep imprint of Catholicism in his soul.
While in Madrid, the Filipinos including Rizal were having financial problems.
However, they were inspired by the victory of Juan Luna and resurrection
Hidalgo. Luna’s painting “Spolarium” won first prize gold medal while Hidalgo’s
painting “Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace” was awarded second prize
silver medal in the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid. Rizal was invited
to give the principal speech held in the evening of June 25, 1884. It was
attended by prominent Spanish artist, newspapermen, statement and Filipinos.
Rizal saluted Luna and Hidalgo as the two glories of Spain and Philippines.

The Toast for Luna and Hidalgo

Spolarium Christian Virgin Exposed to Populace

On June 25, 1884, the Filipino in Madrid had a gathering to celebrate Juan
Luna’s success because his painting SPOLARIUM gained gold medal and Felix
Resurrecion Hidalgo’s Christian Virgin Exposed to Populace received a silver
medal on a prestigious painting competition in Madrid. And Jose Rizal who was
not able to take his meal for the whole day was requested to deliver an
impromptu speech that would be a salute for the Two painters. Rizal speech
was popularly known as “BRINDIS SPEECH OF JOSE RIZAL – THE TOAST”
The Concepts of BRINDIS
1. The independence of the Philippines in the future because the Filipinos
already had education from Spain and their achievements were
recognized abroad.
2. The genius could come from any nations so the people in a particular
race should not treat themselves as superior.
3. The talents and intelligence of the Filipinos are innate and Spain gave
them education which polished their capabilities
 4. The Filipinos are ready for the reforms that the Spanish government will
give
5. The Union of Spain and the Philippines is not impossible and he
recognized the contributions of Spain for our country.
6. The credit should be given to Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, to the students
who choose to be apart from their families to continue their education
and to the parents who worked hard and bore the longing for their
children for the sake of their education.

Rizal’s Education in Spain

Rizal followed a systematic and well-organized schedule of study. He completed
his medical course and was conferred the Degree of Licentiate in Medicine
(Licenciado en Medicina) by the Universidad Central de Madrid on June 21,
1884 that made him a full-pledged physician, qualified to practice medicine.
The next academic year (1884-1885) he studied and passed all subjects leading
to the Degree of Doctor of Medicine but was not awarded his Doctor’s Diploma
for he did not submit the thesis as a requirement for graduation nor paid the
corresponding fees. At the same time, he was also awarded the degree of
Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters on June 19, 1885 with the rating of
“Sobresaliente”. The degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred on him
posthumously in 1961 during the centenary of his birth.
Rizal’s Academic Records at the Universidad Central de Madrid were the
following
SUBJECTS RATINGS
Fifth Year 1882-1883
Legal Medicine Sobresaliente
Medical Clinic I Bueno
Obstetrical Clinic Aprobado
Surgical Clinic I Bueno

Sixth Year 1883-1884

Medical Clinic 2 Bueno
Surgical Clinic 2 Notable

The title of licentiate to medicine was awarded

to Rizal on June 21, 1884 by the Universidad
Central de madrid
DOCTORATE IN MEDICINE
(Rizal continued to acquired subjects at the
Universidad Central de Madrid)
Advanced Normal and Pathological
Sobresaliente
Histology
Aprobado
History of the Medical Sciences

Surgical Analysis Applied to the

Bueno
Medical Science
LICENTIATTE IN PHILISOPHY AND
LETTERS
Rizal on June 19, 1885, he obtained the Degree of
Licentiate on philosophy and Letters at the
Universidad de Madrid
1882-1883
General Literature Sobresaliente
Universal History I Saliente

1883-1884
Greek I Sobresaliente
Greek and Latin Literature Sobresaliente
Universal History 2 Sobresaliente

1884-1885
Arabic Language Sobresaliente
Spanish language Sobresaliente
Rizal in Paris
With Rizal’s relentless search for relevant education and advance studies, he
went to Paris, France and Berlin, Germany to specialize in Ophthalmology
because he wanted to cure his mother’s eye ailment. On his way to Paris, he
stopped at Barcelona to visit his friend Maximo, Viola, a medical student who
belonged to a rich family in San Miguel, Bulacan and Don Miguel Morayta, the
owner of La Publicidad. He arrived in Paris in October of 1885 and stayed there
for four months as an assistant to Dr. Louis de Weckert a leading French
Ophthalmologist. After fourmonths and concentrated study, he learned the
medical techniques of an eye operation.
During his stay in paris, he visited the studio of Juan Luna, the home of Pardo
de Tavera and felix resurrection Hidalgo. They had long hours of discussions
on the many problems of art and learned techniques of his own. He helped
Lune by posing as a model in several paintings like “The Death of Cleopatra”
where he posed as the Egyptian priest. In another of Luna’s great paintings
“The Blood Compact” he posed as Sikatuna with Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera
taking the role of Legazpi.

Rizal in Historic Heidelberg, Germany

His limited allowance and his desire to learn more about eye ailment prompted
Jose to go to Germany, where the cost of living was cheaper than in Paris. On
February 3, 1886, he reached Heidelberg, a historic city in Germany famous for
its old University. He worked at the University Eye Hospital under the
direction and supervision of Dr. Otto Becker a distinguished renowned
German ophthalmologist. He attended he lecture of Doctor Becker and prof.
Wilhelm Kuehne at the University. During weekends, Rizal visited scenic spots
around Heidelberg, the famous Heidelberg Castle, the romantic Neckar River,
the old churches. He noticed that the German Catholics and Protestants
practiced ecumenism for they lived together in harmony and cordiality. Half of
the town churches was used by Catholics and the other by the Protestants.

During his stay in Heidelberg he lived with a Protestant Pastor Karl Ullmer,
who became a good friend. The two had many friendly conversations on the
merits of Catholicism and Protestantism.Rizal, a Mason by this time defended
Catholicism.
In the Spring of 1886, Rizal was fascinated by the blooming flowers along the
bank of the Neckar River thus he wrote the poem “ A Las Flores de Heidelberg”(
To the flowers of Heidelberg)
“A Las Flores de Heidelberg”
Written during his stay in the city of Heidelberg, Germany. He was inspired
by the pretty flowers strewn along the bank of the Neckar River. In this poem,
he revealed his longings for the native land. Rizal sent his message of love
and faith in the Philippines.

Rizal’s first letter to Blumentritt

On July 31, 1886 Rizal wrote his first letter in German to professor Ferdinand
Blumentritt , Diretor of the Ateneo of Leitmeritz, Austria Rizal had heard of this
Austrian ethnologist and his interest in the Philippine language.
Rizal’s letter from Heidelberg impressed Blumentritt, who reciprocated by
sending Rizal a gift of two books. It marked the beginning of their long and
frequent correspondence, also of their friendship that lasted all their lives.
Blumentritt, the Austrian became the best friend of Rizal, the Filipino.

In Leipzig, Dresden and Berlin

On August 9, 1886, three days after the fifth centenary celebration of the
University of Heidelberg Rizal left the city. He boarded a train and arrived in
Leipzig on August 14, 1886. He attended some lectures at the University of
Leipzig on history and psychology. He befriended Professor Friedrich Ratzel,
a famous German historian and Dr. Hans Meyer, a German anthropologist.
In Leipzig Rizal translated Schiller’s William tell from the german into tagalog
so that Filipinos might know the story of that champion of Swiss
independence. He also translated into Tagalog for his nephews and nieces
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales.
Rizal found out that the cost of living in Leipzig was cheapest in Europe so that
he stayed for two months and half in this German city.
On October 29 he left Leipzig for Dresden where he met Dr. Adolph B Meyer,
Director of the Anthropological and Ethnological museum. He stayed two days
in the city
In November 1, morning Rizal left Dresden by train reaching Berlin in the
evening.

Rizal’s Life in Berlin

In Berlin, Rizal was not a mere student or a curious tourist. He lived in
this famous capital of unified Germany for five reasons: (1) to gain further
knowledge of ophthalmology, (2) to further his studies of sciences and
language, (3) to observe the economic had political conditions of the German
nation, (4) to associate with famous German scientists and scholars and (5) to
publish his novel Noli Me Tangere.
Rizal led a methodical and frugal life in Berlin. By day, he worked as an
assistant in the clinic of Dr. Schweigger , eminent German ophthalmologist. At
night, he attended lectures in the University of Berlin.
At his boarding house, he kept himself in physical trim by daily exercises
and practiced speaking German, French and Italian. He wanted to master
French so that he may be able to write it as well as in Spanish. He took a
private lesson under a professor of French Madame Lucie Cerdole in order to
master the idiomatic intricacies of the French language. Rizal performed daily
exercises in a Berlin gymnasium to develop his body.
In Berlin, Rizal also became member of Anthropological Society, Ethnological
Society and the Geographical Society of Berlin. He observed the German
customs, touring the place and attended lectures in the University of Berlin.
It was in Berlin when Rizal’s health suffered because of lack of nourishment
due to the late arrival of his allowance from the Philippines. Maximo Viola
became his savior when he arrived before Christmas Day. Having seen his
situation, Viola loaned some money for his novel, the Noli Me Tangere. On
March 21, 1887, his novel was published. As a sign of his gratitude to Viola,
Rizal gave the gallery proof of the published novel. On May 11,1887, they went
for grand tour in Europe.
First Homecoming
Because of the publication of the Noli Me Tangere and the uproar it
caused among the friars, Rizal warned by Paciano, Silvestre Ubaldo, Chengoy
and other friends not to return home. But he did not heed their warning. He
was determined to return to the Philippines for the following reasons:
1. To operate his mother’s eyes
2. To serve his people who had been oppressed by Spanish tyrants
3. To find out for himself how the Noli and his other writings were affecting
Filipinos and Spaniards in the Philippines
4. To inquire why Leonor Rivera remained silent.
Rizal left Rome by train for Marseilles, a French port which he reached
without mishap. On July 3 he boarded the streamer Djemnah, the same
streamer which brought him to Europe five years ago. At Saigon on July 30, he
transferred to another streamer Haiphong which was Manila-bound. On
August 2, this streamer left Saigon for Manila. He arrived in his homeland after
thirty-four days of travel (from July 3 to August 5, 1887).
In Calamba Rizal established a medical clinic. His first patient was his
mother, who was almost blind. He treated her eyes, but could not performe any
surgical operation because her eye cataracts were not yet ripe. News of the
arrival of a great doctor from Germany spread far and wide. Patients from
Manila and provinces flocked to Calamba. Rizal came to be called “Doctor
Uliman” because he came from Germany, treated their ailments and soon he
acquired a lucrative medical practice. Within few months, he was able to earn
P900 as a physician. By February ,1888 he earned a total of P5000 as medical
fees.
Unlike many successful medical practitioners. Rizal did not selfishly
devote all his time to enriching himself. He opened a gymnasium for young
folks, where he introduced European sports. He tried to interest his townmates
in gymnastics, fencing and shooting so as to discourage the cockfighting and
gambling.
Rizal suffered one failure during his six months of sojourn in Calamba-
his failure to see Leonor Rivera.He tried to go to Dagupan, but his parents
absolutely forbade him to go because Leonor’s mother did not like him for a
son-in-law. With heavy heart, Rizal bowed to his parent’s wish. He was caught
within the iron grip of the custom of his time that marriages must be arranged
by the parents of both groom and bride.
 Meanwhile, his monumental work, the Noli Me Tangere became
controversial to his readers in the Philippines in which he was requested to
visit Governor-General Emilio Terrero. After explaining his side that he only
exposed the truth but did not advocate subversive ideas, the governor general
had to assign a body guard, Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade, for his security
(knowing the influence of the Church that condemns his work). Finding that
there was nothing wrong with the novel, the governor-general asked the
committee of the church for examination and the result:
“it was. . .. heretical, impious and scandalous in the religious order, and
anti-patriotic, subversive of public order, injurious to the government of Spain
and its function in the Philippines islands in the political order.
Unsatisfied with the findings of the committee, general Terrero sent the novel
to the Commission of censorship which was composed of priests and laymen.
The report, as turned out, brought the same findings with that of the
committee of the church and they added. . .. that the importation,
reproduction and circulation of this pernicious book in the islands be
absolutely prohibited.
Rizal became more contentious when he revealed the deplorable
condition of Calamba Hacienda. His findings were the following:
1. The estate of the Reverend Dominican Fathers is not situated in this
locality but in fact constitutes the whole town;
2. The products of the Estate have increased . . . and diminished
remarkably for the tenants.
3. The estate, not spending anything for the town’s welfare, not
contributing either to festivals or to schools or to the development of
agriculture or to public improvements;
4. The discouragement of the farmers on seeing that the lands they have so
laboriously cultivated and cleared are taken away arbitrary for the futile
reasons or without reasons and;
5. The absence of good faith on the part of the Estate (NHI, 2007)
With this, Rizal was asked by his family to leave Philippines to avoid the
resentment of the friars. Prior to his departure, he was asked by his friend from
Lipa to write a poem in commemoration of the town’s elevation to a villa (city)
by virtue of the Bacerra Law of 1888. Gladly Rizal wrote a poem dedicated to
the industrious folks of Lipa entitled Himno Al Trabajo (Hymn to Labor)
portraying the dignity of manual work. He finished it and sent it to Lipa before
his departure from Calamba.
_______________________________________________________________________